Cosmetic applicator

ABSTRACT

Applicators for use in retrieving product (generally a liquid) from a reservoir, with an applicator for entry to the reservoir coupled to a cap. The cap is configured to be selectively actuated by including a squeezable element. Unlike “bulb” based devices having a cap in the common form of a bulb, a more modern look is created with a cylindrical or other cap shape. The cylindrical cap in one example has generally rigid sides with a squeezable or depressible element having an accordion-type design. The accordion-type design may be hidden from a user. In another example the cylindrical cap has a rigid top surface and is squeezable from its sides. In yet another example, the cylindrical cap is flexible on its sides and top, but does not have the commonly known bulb-shape. The applicator may be, for example, a diptube, a doefoot applicator, a sponge, a plastic, a brush, or any other suitable applicator for cosmetics.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/191,241, filed Jul. 10, 2015, titled COSMETIC DROPPER and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/309,401, filed Mar. 16, 2016, titled COSMETIC APPLICATOR, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present application relates to the field of apparatuses for applying cosmetic products.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous applicators for cosmetic products available. Some such applicators include a reservoir for holding a product to be applied, and a dropper for drawing product from the applicator and applying by drops to the user's skin, hair, etc. Other applicators may include, for example, a doe foot applicator tip, a sponge applicator tip, or various brush type applicator tips. New and alternative approaches to such applicators are desired.

OVERVIEW

In some illustrative examples, applicator assemblies are provided for use in retrieving product (generally a liquid) from a reservoir, with an applicator for entry to the reservoir coupled to a cap. The cap is configured to be selectively actuated by including a squeezable element. However, unlike “bulb” based devices having a cap in the common form of a bulb, a more modern looks is created with a cylindrical cap shape. The cylindrical cap in one example has generally rigid sides with a squeezable or depressible element having an accordion-type design. The accordion-type design may be hidden from a user. In another example the cylindrical cap has a rigid top surface and is squeezable from its sides. In yet another example, the cylindrical cap is flexible on its sides and top, but does not have the commonly known bulb-shape.

In some examples where the cap has one or more rigid sides, the rigidity may help avoid accidental release of product from the applicator. In some examples, the overall effect may be more aesthetically pleasant, and/or may assist achieving an overall consistency of look and professional appearance.

In some alternative examples, rather than a diptube, applicator may be provided including, for example, a sponge, a doefoot applicator, or a brush. For such applicators, the cap can be used to draw cosmetic product into a tube to which the applicator is connected while the applicator is inserted in a product bottle, and the cap may be squeezed or depressed to force product out of the tube and into the applicator. The applicator may include flocking, cloth, a thermoplastic elastomer, or felt.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an illustrative example of a dropper;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the example of FIGS. 1-2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show another illustrative example of a dropper;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the example of FIGS. 4-5;

FIG. 7 shows, in cross section, another illustrative example with an applicator; and

FIGS. 8-11 show illustrative applicators.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an illustrative example of a dropper. In FIG. 1, the dropper 10 is shown secured to a bottle 30. The dropper is shown with a generally cylindrical cap 14 having a depressible or squeezable insert 12.

FIG. 2 shows the dropper 10 removed from the bottle 30. The dropper 10 includes the generally cylindrical cap 14 and squeezable insert 12. A diptube 18 is shown as well, and may include a tapered tip if desired, for entry into the bottle.

In use, the squeezable insert 12 is depressed in the direction shown at 16 to reduce the 1.0 interior volume of the squeezable insert 12 and ready the dropper 10 for drawing product out of the bottle 30 or other container. Releasing the squeezable insert 12 allows the squeezable insert 12 to return to its original volume and shape, drawing product into the diptube. The product may be a liquid. To dispense drawn-in product, the squeezable insert 12 is again depressed, ejecting product at the tip of the diptube 18.

The cap 14 is generally cylindrical in shape in this example and has a cavity for receiving the squeezable insert 12. The cap 14 may be a polygon, if desired, or oval, or other shapes. In this embodiment, however, the cap 14 is generally rigid such that the user must depress the squeezable insert 12 only by pressing in the direction at 16. The user may be prevented from inadvertent drawing in of product or dispensing of product by such a design.

In some examples, the interior of the cap 14 is specially shaped to match the shape of the squeezable insert 12. For example, the interior of cap 14 may be circular, and the squeezable element may have an accordion structure which is also circular. Alternatively, both the interior of the cap 14 and the squeezable element shape may be square, or any other shape.

The dropper 10 may be configured for use as a screw-on fit on the bottle 30 to secure to bottle top 32, as is in the example shown in FIG. 2.A snap fit design, or other closure methods or mechanisms/designs may be used instead. Rather than a diptube 18, an applicator may be provided instead such as shown in FIGS. 8-11, below, in which case the dropper 10 may be referred to as an applicator assembly.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the example of FIGS. 1-2. The dropper 10 includes the squeezable insert 12, the cap 14, a cap insert 20, and the diptube 18. The squeezable insert 12 is shown with an accordion-like structure to facilitate it being depressed. The squeezable insert may be made of any suitable material; in some examples silicone is used. In some examples the cap 14 is opaque and hides the accordion structure from sight, though this is not necessary.

The cap insert 20 includes an upper ridge against which the lower portion of the squeezable insert 12 is pressed. For manufacturing, elements 12, 14 and 20 may be secured together using any suitable adhesive, or by any other suitable method. The cap insert 20 is also secured to the diptube 18, with cap 14 provided as a separate element. If desired, the cap insert 20 and cap 14 may be provided as a single piece, and both may be made of a relatively hard or high gloss material, though any desired finish may be used including a matte finish, or a thin soft foam layer may be applied, for example.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show another illustrative example of a dropper. In FIG. 4, the dropper 40 is shown secured to a bottle 60. The dropper 40 is shown with a squeezable element 42 over a cap 44.

FIG. 5 shows the dropper 40 removed from the bottle 60. The dropper 40 includes the squeezable element 42 and cap 44. A diptube SO is shown as well, and may include a tapered tip if desired, for entry into the bottle 60.

In use, the squeezable element 42 may be depressed in the direction shown at 46 to reduce the interior volume thereof and ready the dropper 40 for drawing product out of the bottle 60 or other container. Releasing the squeezable element 42 allows the squeezable element 42 to return to its original volume and shape, drawing product into the diptube. The product may be a liquid. To dispense drawn-in product, the squeezable element 42 is again depressed, ejecting product at the tip of the diptube 50.

The cap 44 acts to secure the diptube 50 to the squeezable element 42, and includes a structure, such as threading, for securing to the top 62 of the bottle 60. Alternatively a snap fit may be used. Rather than a diptube 50, an applicator may be provided instead such as shown in FIGS. 8-11, below, in which case the dropper 40 may be referred to as an applicator assembly.

In some examples, the squeezable element 42 is flexible in any direction and may be squeezed to reduce its interior volume in any direction. In some examples, however, the upper surface 48 of the squeezable element 42 may be more rigid, or may include a rigid insert, preventing deformation of the upper surface. In this construction, a user would have to squeeze the squeezable element 42 in the directions highlighted at 46, reducing the likelihood of inadvertent drawing of product into the diptube 50 or inadvertent ejection of product, for example,

The squeezable element 42 in the examples of FIGS. 4-5 is generally cylindrical, rather than having the usual bulbous shape. Other shapes may be used, such as a polygon or oval. By having the squeezable element 42 use a non-bulbous shape, a different look can be achieved than is historically observed.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the example of FIGS. 4-5. The dropper 40 is shown with the squeezable element 42. The squeezable element 42 may have an upper surface 48, side 52, and a lower opening, which may span part of or the entirety of the lower edge of the squeezable element 42. In some examples, the upper surface 48 may be reinforced or independently rigid, such that side(s) 52 must be squeezed to use the dropper. The side(s) 52 may be cylindrical, as shown, with a circular shape. Other examples may use a polygon or oval shape instead, if desired, or any other shape. In an alternative example, the upper surface 48 may be flexible, while the side(s) 52 are more rigid. Of course, rather than the design shown in FIGS. 4-6, the illustration of FIGS. 1-3, above described, may instead be used.

The dropper 40 also includes a cap 44 and a cap insert 54. The cap insert 54 may be glued to the cap 44 and/or squeezable element 42 and/or diptube 50. The cap insert 54 may include internal threads or other structure to receive the top 62 of the bottle 60 in a screw-type or snap fit attachment.

The diptubes 18 and 50 may be formed of plastic or glass, as desired, and may include a neck or narrowing at the tip thereof, if desired. Alternatively the diptubes 18, 50 may be cylindrical.

FIG. 7 shows another illustrative example with an applicator, shown in cross section. In this example, the combination applicator and cosmetic container are shown at 100 with a depressible cap 102 formed of a flexible material enclosed on the periphery by a rigid material 104 and defining a chamber 106 used to create negative or positive pressure for drawing product into a tube ending with applicator 110 and expelling product therefrom. The example shown has a cap structure similar to the example shown in FIGS. 1-3, above. Alternatively, the cap structure could be similar to that of FIGS. 4-6, omitting the rigid material 104 around at least a portion of the periphery of flexible material 102, and adding rigid material to the upper surface of cap 102.

A connecting structure 108 couples together the cap portion of 102/104 to the tube which terminates at the applicator 110. The bottle 120 includes, in this instance, a wiper 122 (which may optionally be included in embodiments having a diptube, if desired). The wiper 122 may be of any suitable design or structure and is provided to wipe away excess product on the applicator 110 as it is withdrawn from the bottle 120. The cap and bottle may be secured together using a screw-on structure shown at 130.

FIGS. 8-11 show illustrative applicators. FIG. 8 shows a doefoot applicator at 200, which may be made of any suitable material such as a cloth, flocking, felt, sponge, or a plastic such as a thermoplastic elastomer, for example, etc., or combinations thereof. FIG. 9 shows a mascara-type applicator at 210 which again may be made of any suitable synthetic or natural material (or combination thereof). FIG. 10 shows a sponge applicator 220 having a conical shape, again, any suitable synthetic or natural material may be used. FIG. 11 shows a straight brush 230, which may include natural and/or synthetic bristles of any suitable material.

Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

The claimed invention is:
 1. An applicator assembly for use with cosmetic products comprising: an applicator; a cap having sides, a bottom for securing to a bottle, and a top; and a squeezable insert disposed within the cap; wherein the applicator is secured to the cap and is in fluid communication with an interior of the squeezable insert; and wherein the cap is generally rigid such that the squeezable insert must be depressed from the top of the cap.
 2. The applicator assembly of claim 1 wherein the squeezable insert has an accordion structure.
 3. The applicator assembly of claim 2 wherein the accordion structure of the squeezable insert is not visible to a user.
 4. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap has an open top.
 5. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the applicator takes the form of a diptube.
 6. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the applicator takes the form of a brush.
 7. The applicator assembly of claim 1,wherein the applicator takes the form of a doefoot applicator.
 8. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the applicator takes the form of a sponge.
 9. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises flocking.
 10. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises cloth.
 11. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.
 12. The applicator assembly of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises felt.
 13. An applicator assembly for use with cosmetic products comprising: an applicator; a cap having a bottom for securing to a bottle, and a top; and a squeezable element having a cylindrical shape with rounded sides, a top, and a bottom having an opening; wherein the squeezable element is secured to the cap; and wherein the applicator is secured to the cap and is in fluid communication with an interior of the squeezable element.
 14. The applicator assembly of claim 13 wherein the squeezable element has a rigid top, such that it may be compressed only by compressing the rounded sides thereof.
 15. The applicator assembly of claim 14 wherein the squeezable element is not bulbous.
 16. The applicator assembly of claim 13, wherein the bottom of the squeezable element is secured to the top of the cap.
 17. The applicator assembly of claim 13, wherein the applicator is selected from the group consisting of a diptube., a brush, a doefoot applicator, and a sponge.
 18. The applicator assembly of claim 13,wherein the applicator comprises flocking, cloth, a thermoplastic elastomer, or felt.
 19. An applicator assembly for use with cosmetic products comprising: a rigid cap having sides, a bottom for securing to a bottle, a cavity defined by the sides, and an open top; a squeezable insert disposed within the cavity of the cap; and an applicator secured to the cap and in fluid communication with an interior of the squeezable insert; wherein cosmetic product is introduced into the applicator by depressing the squeezable insert from only the top of the cap.
 20. The applicator assembly of claim 19 wherein the squeezable insert has an accordion structure that is not visible to a user. 